NAIMOS arrests 10 armed Chinese nationals at Abusa for illegal mining
By Stephen Freeman, Ashanti Region
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 10 heavily armed Chinese nationals allegedly engaged in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, at Abusa in the Ashanti Region.
The arrests followed a joint operation by NAIMOS and the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) which recently dismantled a major illegal mining network within the Oda River Forest Reserve.
The intelligence-led operation, conducted on 23 October 2025, also led to the arrest of several illegal miners and nine armed impostors posing as National Security operatives.
According to NAIMOS, the impostors were dressed in khaki uniforms and claimed to be acting under the command of a man identified as ‘Major Jabari’.
A search on them uncovered a pistol with three rounds of ammunition, a toy pistol, a pump-action shotgun, cartridges and handcuffs, all seized as exhibits.
During the operation, NAIMOS operatives also intercepted individuals who allegedly attempted to bribe officers with GHS120,000 to secure the release of the detained miners. The suspects were immediately taken into custody for attempting to bribe law enforcement officers.
The task force later discovered that the illegal miners had established a settlement deep within the forest, with wooden structures and tents serving as operational bases. The structures and equipment were destroyed to prevent reoccupation.
